SELECTION OF LOCATION 1 3 



uble plant foods from the soil during the winter and the 

 cooler weather is favorable to the culture 'of certain crops, 

 as potato, cabbage, celery, pea and onion. 



Large bodies of water often make climatic conditions 

 favorable for vegetable gardening. The success of cauli- 

 flower on Long Island is largely attributable to cool 

 breezes from the sea. The winter season at Norfolk is 

 shortened and made milder by the Gulf Stream. In lake 

 districts there is much less damage from frosts in late 

 spring and early fall than in similar latitudes where water 

 influence is lacking. A Canadian tomato grower who 

 plants near Lake Ontario has ripe tomatoes as soon as 

 expert growers at high altitudes in Pennsylvania. 



14. Water supply.— A cheap and abundant supply of 

 pure water should be carefully considered before deciding 

 upon a location. An immense quantity of water is needed 

 to meet the needs of frame and greenhoiise crops, to clean 

 the vegetables for market and to supply the stock that 

 may be kept. The value of irrigation in all sections is 

 becoming more fully realized every year. Many garden- 

 ers have installed the most approved systems and are 

 therefore making competition more severe for those who 

 do not enjoy these advantages. 



15. Contour of land. — Good air drainage is important 

 during frosty nights. Gentle slopes secure such drainage 

 and are also likely to have good soil drainage. Steep 

 hills should be avoided, because they increase the cost of 

 production and harvesting and are subject to erosion and 

 are usually not retentive of soil moisture. It is almost 

 impossible to grow good crops of onions, celery, beets 

 and many other small vegetables upon steep hillsides. 

 Level lands or gentle slopes are nearly always used by 

 gardeners who follow intensive methods. 



16. Aspect. — Southern or southeastern exposures are 

 preferred for all types of vegetable gardening. The fuel 

 bill is lighter in greenhouse work and the outdoor crops 



